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ence between the manifesting classes. Sorcerers and
dragonfire adepts often see diamond dragons as
kindred spirits, though this attitude does not
automatically lead to a friendly reaction. Gem
dragons are friendly toward diamond dragons,
whom they consider younger cousins. Should
a diamond dragon violate a gem dragon’s hospitality
and goodwill, however, the creature’s
attitude becomes hostile very quickly.
DIAMOND DRAGON LORE
Characters with ranks in Knowledge
(psionics) can research diamond dragons
to learn more about them. When a
character makes a skill check, read or
paraphrase the following, including
the information from lower DCs.
DC 10: Diamond dragons are
psionic characters with dragonlike
abilities.
DC 15: Diamond dragons channel
the power of psionic gem dragons,
gaining claws, wings, tails, and
similar powers.
DC 20: By learning draconic
powers, psionic diamond dragons grow physically tougher
and gain new attack options—including a breath weapon.
DC 30: Characters who achieve this level of success can
learn important details about a specific notable diamond
dragon, the areas where he operates, and the kinds of activities
he undertakes.
Most diamond dragons travel constantly, making them
difficult to find. If a diamond dragon school operates in an
area, it’s possible to set up a meeting with a junior faculty
member in a day or two, or a senior member in no less than
a week. It’s traditional (but not mandatory) to bring gifts to
such a teacher to show respect.
Morvek Thar learns to take advantage of the ultimate high ground
Adaptation
If the campaign doesn’t include gem dragons, the Dungeon
Master can easily transform diamond dragons into more
generic psionic characters who use their mental powers to
emulate dragonlike features, rather than channeling them
from a conceptual collective. In a campaign with no psionics
at all, the DM could turn diamond dragons into an arcane
prestige class, allowing them to fuel their special abilities by
spontaneously sacrificing existing spells rather than spending
power points. Treat a sacrificed spell as having a number
of power points equal to twice its spell level minus 1. Thus,
a diamond dragon could sacrifice a 3rd-level spell to power
his breath weapon class feature.
Illus. by L. Parrillo
CHAPTER 2
DRAGON
ASPIRANTS
DIAMOND DRAGONS IN THE GAME
Because they are wanderers, diamond dragons fit well in
campaigns where psionic characters are normally found only
in far-off lands. A single diamond dragon can exist without
requiring a whole network of psionic characters to have
taught and trained him. If gem dragons exist in the campaign,
they can become the source of all diamond dragons, training
a single student every few centuries.
Diamond dragons appeal to players who like psions and
wilders but find them too fragile. This prestige class might
not be martial enough for players who like psychic warriors,
though some will enjoy it. The class is strongly rooted in
the psionics system and requires more bookkeeping than a
typical psionic character, so it’s best reserved for players who
have experience with that kind of character.
Sample Encounter
Although diamond dragons always have an alignment that is
at least partially neutral, they are not a homogenous group.
A neutral evil diamond dragon can be cruel and capricious,
inflicting pain just for the sadistic pleasure it gives him. A
chaotic neutral diamond dragon might act so randomly as
to seem insane. Good-aligned diamond dragons make fine
allies and colleagues, though their need to constantly test
themselves can cause problems.
EL 8: Morvek Thar recently found the path of the diamond
dragon and still revels in his new abilities. To test himself,
he has set up a camp at a ford in a major river and challenges
anyone who wishes to cross. He demands either payment of
100 gp per traveler, or a chance at single combat with one
member of the party. Morvek simply wants to see what he
can accomplish now, though he surrenders or retreats rather
than face serious injury or defeat.
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